Thursday, February 14, 2013

What are Checks and Balances? Kiểm soát và cân bằng là gì?

What are Checks and
Balances?

Kiểm soát và cân
bằng là gì?

WISE GEEK

WISE GEEK

Many governments and organizations are set up using a
system of checks and balances, also known as separation of powers. The intent
of this structure is to distribute power, ensuring that a government does not
become autocratic. One of the most classic examples is found in the United
States Constitution, which established three branches of government and
outlined their powers. Under this system, no one branch has ultimate power,
and each branch performs most effectively when it acts in the best interests
of the nation.

In the United States, there are three branches of
government. The executive branch includes the Office of the President. The
legislative branch includes the House of Representatives and the Senate,
known collectively as Congress. Finally, the judicial branch encompasses the
Supreme Court system. Each branch has unique powers, and each is also able to
influence the actions of another branch. The separation of powers is meant to
protect the democratic process.

The legislative branch proposes bills and passes them into
law. The executive branch can choose to veto those bills, and the Supreme
Court can also strike the bills down, if they are deemed unconstitutional.
Under the checks and balances system, Congress can in turn override a veto,
or pass a new law that satisfies the Supreme Court. These checks on Congress
ensure that the legislative branch promotes the welfare of the country.

The judicial branch interprets laws. It consists of a
panel of justices appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
This branch also interprets and defends the Constitution, and it is bound by
law to strike down laws that go against the intent of the Constitution. The
actions of the judicial branch are checked through the appointment process,
and judges hold their seats on the condition of good behavior, meaning that
abuse of power will result in a removal from the bench.

The executive branch serves as the head of state,
commanding the military and making political appointments. It has the power
of veto over the legislative branch, and the vice president is the President
of the Senate. Members of the judiciary are appointed by the executive
branch, which can also issue pardons. In turn, Congress can determine that a
president is unfit for office and remove him or her, and the chief justice of
the Supreme Court becomes head of the Senate during impeachment proceedings.

The checks and balances system distributes power, rather
than concentrating it in one location. It is extremely difficult to
circumvent, which ensures that the interests of the people are represented.
Many other governments and organizations have included such a structure in
their systems of governance to maintain the integrity of their leaders.